Over-prescribing of antidepressant drugs has hit a whole new level of insanity. Reports show that nearly half of the people receiving prescriptions for these drugs are not depressed.
Canadian researchers examined more than 100,000 prescriptions for antidepressant drugs and discovered doctors were handing out the medications for everything from pain to insomnia.
There is no clinical evidence that antidepressants are effective against these problems. In fact, the drugs don’t even work against depression in most cases. An earlier JAMA study showed that antidepressants work no better than placebos for most people with depression.
Researchers found that a sugar pill placebo cause the same effects of antidepressants without all the dangerous and addictive dangers as well as a long list of side effects. So while doctors are handing out these drugs like candy, it turns out that candy is just as effective!
Today, 13% of Americans are on antidepressants. That’s more than 4 million people, almost double from 1999.
4 Natural Solutions for Depression
Talk to your doctor before adding natural remedies or trying a natural remedy in place of your prescription. You can find these four alternatives at most health food or drug stores:
St. John’s wort. This herb is clinically proven to successfully treat depression. It naturally balances the brain’s neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine levels. Take St. John’s wort twice a day for a total dosage of 900 to 1,800 mg a day.
Saffron extract. Studies have found extracts of the cooking spice work better than the antidepressant drugs Prozac and Tofranil. It is high in carotenoids and B vitamins, which naturally enhance mood. Take 15 mg twice a day.
5-Hydroxytrptophan (5-HTP). This amino acid works well with depression that is combined with anxiety. It boosts the body’s production of serotonin. It has also been found effective against insomnia. Suggested dosages are 100-200 mg taken twice per day.
SAMe. This naturally occurring amino acid-based chemical facilitates healthy nerve connections and boosts neurotransmitters. Some holistic doctors recommend it for older patients. This is because it has demonstrated beneficial effects on arthritis and joint pain as well. Dosages typically start at 200 mg twice daily and increase as needed up to 400 mg taken four times a day.
